No Fruit Without The Father
BRD REFLECTION 2025
(Bennett Sng from Small Group Ministry )
READ:
Isaiah 5:1-2, Isaiah 5:21 and Psalm 108:6 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Isaiah 5:1-2, God is pictured as a loving gardener who gave Israel everything it needed to flourish, but instead of good fruit, it produced corruption. It shows God’s disappointment when His people turn away from Him.
Isaiah 5:21 points to one root of the problem – pride and self-reliance. Those who think of themselves as wise in their own eyes, deny themselves of God’s wisdom.
Psalm 108:6 is a cry for God’s saving help. Unlike the prideful who trust in themselves, the Psalmist acknowledges total dependence on God for deliverance.
Together, these verses highlight the contrast between arrogance that leads to destruction and humble reliance on God that leads to salvation.
APPLY:
These verses challenge me to look at my own life, my decisions and my deeds. Am I producing the “fruit” that God desires – justice, righteousness, love – or am I falling into pride and relying too much on my own wisdom? It is easy to be caught up in achievements or self-sufficiency, especially in occasions when everything was smooth. But Isaiah warns that this is undesirable in God’s eyes.
Psalm 108 reminds me that when difficulties come, I need God’s saving hand. Whether in struggles at work, family burdens, or personal challenges, victory doesn’t come from cleverness or human strength, but from God’s intervention. Two years ago, my late mother who was very ill was unable to get along with her caregiver. My siblings decided to take turns to care for her instead. Although I had a busy work schedule, I prayed to God that I would be able to care for her on those days and nights that I was rostered for caregiving. God answered my prayers and I was very thankful to be able to care for her and to spend more time with her before she passed on last year.
DO:
This week I will examine areas of my life where I may be relying too much on myself instead of on God. I will intentionally pause to seek His wisdom in prayer before making decisions, and I will remind myself that true “fruit” is seen in obedience, humility, and love.
PRAY:
Loving Father, You have given me everything I need to grow in You. Forgive me for the times I have relied on my own wisdom and failed to bear good fruit. Teach me to walk humbly, depend on Your strength, and live a life that pleases You. Save me from pride, and help me to produce the fruit of righteousness for Your glory. Amen.
